'Parents Needed More Notice Of Class Suspensions'

Parents of children in primary 1-3 were divided on Friday over the government's decision to suspend classes for two weeks, with some saying it's understandable given the coronavirus situation, but others complaining about the move.

Face-to-face classes will be suspended from Monday, while kindergartens – which were already closed due to outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infections – won't open their doors again either until December 7.

Some parents told RTHK that they already saw the class suspension coming, agreeing that the most important thing is to keep children safe and healthy.

A woman surnamed Chan, who has a grandson in primary 3, said the class suspension is necessary, but she is concerned about her grandson's learning progress.

"Under these situations, health is actually the most important. But of course I am a bit worried how much they learn, since they have been taking online classes since the last school year. Therefore I will help him with his studies, because I am really worried about whether the children can concentrate," she said.

Some parents, meanwhile, said authorities should have already stopped face-to-face classes a week ago, due to the recent spate of upper respiratory tract infections.

But the government's decision to stop younger primary students from going to school created an uproar on parents' groups on social media.

"Schools keep getting shut yet bars, restaurants, clubs, gyms and massage parlours etc. are open and there has been no Covid outbreak in schools. Kids are also the least likely to get infected. It's not okay to appease businesses and money but not the people," one woman said in an online comment.

"I am beyond livid!... My child suffered when we had to do classes over Zoom and vastly improved when she was back in the classroom. I am so angry right now," said another social media user.

Even some parents who agreed with the class suspension decision said they were given too little notice to make proper arrangements, while other parents questioned why older primary students still have to keep going to school.

A woman surnamed Wong, who has children studying in primary four and five, said she is glad that her children are not affected this time, but said she will prepare in case the class suspension is soon extended to older pupils.

"I think down the road higher primary students may also see a suspended face-to-face class arrangement," she said.

Wong said health authorities should keep an eye on the pandemic situation, and give parents enough notice before announcing further class suspensions.